Peter Green in Cork

[robert arnopp]

Have just returned from Peter Green and Friends show in Old Oak, Cork, 22.10.09.
Like many I was thrilled to hear that Peter was back playing and even more thrilled to see a small note in our local newspaper that he was coming to Cork. Having previously seen him twice in Cork with The Splinter Band, and viewed recent videos on You Tube, I kept telling myself not to have unreasonable expectations of hearing the Peter of the 60's. I needn't have worried, this was not the Peter of the past but the new revitalised Peter of 2009 ,lead singer and lead guitarist in a 5 man band playing songs from his Mayall,Fleetwood Mac and solo years and covers (including Dylan and The Rolling Stones,Willie Dixon and some blues classics). The venue was a bar, hot and sweaty, standing only and sold out despite minimal publicity. Peter looked well and for the 90 minutes or so on stage appeared to me to be someone enjoying what he was doing, smiling regularly and in full harmony with the rest of the band. As usual in a bar, there there was a low rumble of chatter from the back of the audience, possibly because many weren't familiar with the non F.Mac parts of the set, but their was an eerie silence during Albatros. While the sound from Peter's Mic. was a little fuzzy his voice was much stronger than when I saw The Splinter Group, and the recent You Tube videos, which was a very pleasant surprise. I'm neither a musician or guitarist so can't comment on the technique but I have almost every track that he's played on since the early 60's and I liked what I was hearing. I would strongly recommend all Ledge members to go and see this band with an open mind, there is a freshness and warmth in their set, no question of going through the motions, 5 players clearly playing for their own enjoyment as well as the audiences'.
P.S. Has any member any information on an early 1970 concert played by F Mac in The Savoy Cinema, Cork (Yes it did happen,I was there,but the memories have faded)